Text responses are essays written in response to a novel or film studied in class. As with all SACs, the text response is to be completed in class over two periods.

A text response addresses a prompt based on a theme and/or character. It is expected that the student is familiar with the text and is able to make specific references to the text via quotes and scene references, be able to analyse meanings and symbols, and make explicit connections with the prompt.

For Year 11 English, text responses form the assessment for Gattaca and The Crucible, and may be on the exam.

Criteria

SAC ASSESSMENT-Text Response Outcome 1 Analyse, either orally or in writing, how a selected text constructs meaning, conveys ideas and values, and is open to a range of interpretations.
MARK RANGE	DESCRIPTOR: typical performance in each range
25–30 marks	Thorough and insightful understanding of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Complex discussion and critical analysis of the structures, features and conventions used by the author to construct meaning. Complex analysis of the ways in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Construction of a sophisticated interpretation which demonstrates an understanding of ways in which the text is open to different interpretations by different readers. Considered selection and use of significant textual evidence and highly appropriate use of relevant metalanguage to support analysis. Highly expressive, fluent and coherent writing or, in an oral response, the skilful use of highly appropriate oral language conventions to engage an audience.
19–24 marks	Thorough knowledge of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Well-developed discussion and sound analysis of the structures, features and conventions used by the author to construct meaning. Identification and exploration of the ways in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Construction of a well-developed interpretation, demonstrating knowledge of ways in which the text is open to different interpretations by different readers. Careful selection and use of suitable textual evidence and appropriate use of relevant metalanguage to support analysis. Expressive, fluent and coherent writing or, in an oral response, an ability to use appropriate oral language conventions to engage an audience.
13–18 marks	Knowledge of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Discussion and some analysis of the structures, features and conventions used by the author to construct meaning. Identification of the ways in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Construction of a general interpretation and some identification of ways in which the text is open to different interpretations by different readers. Suitable use of textual evidence and appropriate use of some relevant metalanguage to support analysis. Generally expressive, fluent and coherent writing or, in an oral response, an ability to use some appropriate oral language conventions to engage an audience.
7–12 marks	Some knowledge of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Generalised discussion of the structures, features and conventions used by the author to construct meaning. Identification of a way in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Some evidence of an ability to construct a general response to the text and identify a possible interpretation. Some use of textual evidence and use of some relevant metalanguage to support analysis. Clear expression of ideas in writing or, in an oral response, variable ability to use oral language conventions to engage an audience.
1–6 marks	Limited knowledge of the ideas, characters and themes constructed and presented in the text. Little, if any, identification of the structures or features or conventions used by the author to construct meaning. Little, if any, identification of a way in which social, historical and/or cultural values are embodied in the text. Little evidence of ability to construct a general response to the text or to identify an interpretation. Minimal use of textual evidence or relevant metalanguage. Simple expression of ideas in writing or, in an oral response, limited use of oral language conventions to engage an audience.

Resources

Text Response essay structure